Royals Game 1 starter Edinson Volquez throws a pitch in the first inning of Game 1 of the World Series against the Mets Tuesday night.(Getty Images)

Kansas City, Mo. — Jubilation on the field turned into quiet reflection in the Kansas City Royals’ clubhouse early Wednesday morning.

Shortly after the Royals beat the New York Mets, 5-4, in the 14th inning of Game 1 of the World Series, the players became aware that Daniel Volquez, the father of starting pitcher Edinson Volquez, had died of heart trouble earlier on Tuesday in the Dominican Republic.

Although the Royals management knew, the pitcher didn’t get word until after he had thrown six solid innings.

According to the New York Times, about an hour before the first pitch, Royals Manager Ned Yost went to Chris Young, the scheduled Game 4 starting pitcher, and told him he might have to start Game 1 instead. According to the Times, Yost told Young in confidence that Volquez’s father had died. He told Young not to say anything to Volquez, at the family’s request.

So what can the Rockies buy in free agency with that $12 million they’re saving on Anderson when they try to replace him in their rotation?

On the surface, Colorado’s options are plenty. But there are plenty of restrictions. You can scratch Max Scherzer and Jon Lester and their ilk off the Rockies’ wish list. That’s too much wishing for the price.

Brett Anderson. (Justin K. Aller, Getty Images)

The Rockies also have to face perception. It’s more difficult for them to get many free-agent pitches to even consider pitching in Colorado.

That’s why Anderson’s real value with the Rockies wasn’t necessarily his ability — although he certainly has the potential to be a top-rotation pitcher (he could have been their ace next season). The best perk the Rockies had with Anderson was that he was under contract. And he actually seemed like he liked pitching in Denver.

It may have been wiser for the Rockies to pick up Anderson’s option, then try to trade him before spring training. If they struck out in trades, the Rox would at least still have a solid starter on the rolls.

But that’s in the past. And the Rockies now need a new starting-quality pitcher for their rotation. Otherwise, we’ll see the phrase “LHP starting pitcher Yohan Flande…” real soon.

So what are the Rockies’ options for free-agent pitchers? Remember: They will pay Jorge De La Rosa, their current ace, $12.5 million per year for the next two. Use that as a guide post.

Here’s a list with some guesses, loosely ranked and categorized by the likelihood they’ll wear purple next season (estimates are guesses based on similar pitcher’s past deals):

It’s a wonder pitchers don’t have to sign a waiver before facing Yasiel Puig. He’s a danger to himself (at times) and others. His presence — 6-foot-3, 240 pounds — is unmistakable. Wednesday, he sauntered into the batter’s box with the game on the line.

It was the eighth inning with runners aboard. He represented the go-ahead run. It was his first at-bat since he injured his knee on Monday running the bases. Manuel Corpas, a closer in a previous life with the Rockies, welcomed the confrontation.

He struck out pinch-hitter Carl Crawford and steeled himself for Puig. The at-bat reached a full count. Corpas had used his slider effectively twice to Puig. He figured Wilin Rosario would call for it again. But the catcher surprised him, asking for a sinker.

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jhoulys Chacin, shown here in a file photo, could reach 200 innings for the first time in his career. He outpitched the Padres’ Edinson Volquez as the Rockies won their fourth-straight game. (Chris Schneider, The Associated Press)

The Rockies have done things to Edinson Volquez at Coors Field you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. He’s worked 12 2/3 innings on Blake Street this season, allowing 29 hits and 21 earned runs. He has a career 8.39 ERA in Denver.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.